STRUCTURE OF THE WORKSHOP

 

Duration: 2 Days
Time: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM (including a 1PM to 2PM lunch break)
Location: Studio A89, Noida

 

About the Workshop

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One of the earliest photographic printing processes, salt printing is celebrated for its warm sepia tones and delicately textured surfaces. This immersive two-day workshop offers hands-on training in this historical method, allowing participants to engage with the foundational materials and processes of early photography.

 

You will learn to create prints by hand-coating paper with salt and silver nitrate and exposing them using UV light. Through this material-based experience, participants will gain a tactile and conceptual understanding of image-making rooted in the origins of photography.

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 Day-Wise Workshop Breakdown

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Day 1 – Introduction & Preparation

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Morning:

• Introduction to the history and context of salt printing

• Overview of the process: chemistry, materials, and safety

• Demonstration: preparing salt solution and coating paper

• Hands-on: participants begin coating their own papers

Afternoon:

• Drying and sensitizing paper with silver nitrate

• Introduction to digital negatives: sizing and contrast tips

• Test exposures using natural or artificial UV sources

• Creating first photograms or contact prints for practice

 

Day 2 – Exposure, Development & Final Prints

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Morning:

• Review of test prints and discussion on improvements

• Participants expose final prints using their digital negatives

• Washing, fixing, and toning options (optional sepia/enhanced tones)

Afternoon:

• Second round of printing with refined techniques

• Drying and finishing prints for archival quality

• Group critique, feedback, and sharing final outcomes

• Wrap-up discussion on contemporary applications of salt printing

 

 Materials Provided

• 10 sheets of A4 paper (including test prints)

• All chemicals: salt solution, silver nitrate, fixer

• UV exposure setup

• Access to a fully equipped darkroom studio

 

Please Note

• Digital negatives (transparency prints) are not provided by Studio A89 but can be outsourced independently. The studio will assist in the outsourcing process if needed.

• Participants are encouraged to carry:

  • A notebook, pen/pencil

  • Apron, gloves and a generic surgical mask (recommended for handling chemicals)

• Food and accommodation are not included and must be arranged individually.